If you live with the pain and stiffness of arthritis, you know firsthand that the disease can negatively impact your quality of life. You may try to get through the day with the help of over-the-counter or prescription medications, and they may work to some extent. But these medications are also known to come with some not-so-nice side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anemia, headache, and edema (swelling).
When it comes to safe and effective treatments for arthritis pain and stiffness, many people overlook chiropractic care. They assume chiropractic is just for people with stiff backs and necks. And while chiropractors do see a lot of people with stiff neck and back issues, they are really primary care professionals who treat the entire person.
How Can Chiropractic Help Arthritis Pain and Stiffness?
It’s important to understand that chiropractic care goes far beyond spinal adjustments. In fact, there are over 150 techniques that chiropractors use to help their patients feel relief from injuries and arthritis pain and stiffness.
Chiropractors focus on the relationships between structure and function, and treatment plans are developed around a person’s specific needs and issues. So, while a 20-year-old football player may benefit from a more aggressive spinal adjustment, a 60-year-old woman suffering from arthritis may be best served by having a chiropractor gently manipulate her soft tissue to stop muscle spasms and give her immediate relief. She may also be guided through a series of exercises that slowly stretch her joints and increase her range of motion.
There are other therapies that are often used to help arthritis patients reduce their joint pain and stiffness:
- Ultrasound – Beyond imaging technology, ultrasound can loosen tissues and joints, reducing swelling, pain, and stiffness.
- Electrotherapy – Tiny electric pulses stimulate a patient’s muscles to help them loosen so they stop pulling on joints.
- “Cold Laser” Therapy – A laser that does not produce any heat is used to penetrate deep into the tissue, reducing inflammation.
- Infrared sauna –These saunas are much better at controlling the amount of heat used than traditional saunas. Spending just 20 minutes inside can relieve pain and increase circulation.
These are just some of the treatments that chiropractors can offer those suffering from joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. If you would like to explore chiropractic for your arthritis, we encourage you to find a licensed chiropractor in your area to get a free evaluation. And if you live in the area, give us a call or stop by to schedule one today!
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